Casio EX-Z16 vs Samsung MV800: A Hands-On Comparison for Practical Buyers in 2024

Choosing a compact digital camera in 2024 often feels like a sweet spot challenge between convenience, image quality, versatility, and budget. Two pocketable contenders I'd like to put under the microscope today are the Casio EX-Z16, announced back in 2010, and Samsung’s slightly newer MV800 from 2011. While neither represents the bleeding edge of tech anymore, both still command niche attention for budget-conscious enthusiasts or those seeking super compact daily shooters.

Having personally handled and rigorously tested cameras across the budget spectrum for over 15 years, I’m excited to break down exactly what these two cameras offer - beyond the spec sheet - from their real-world operational quirks to technical capabilities and photographic results. We’ll explore their strengths and limitations alongside thoughtful use-case guidance, pointing you to the best fit depending on your needs.

Size and Ergonomics: Compactness with Distinct Flavors

If pocketability tops your priority list, size and handling count big. The Casio EX-Z16 is an ultracompact model by design, sporting a relatively chunky profile compared to today’s ultra-slim compacts, but clutchable without wrestling your hands. Meanwhile, Samsung’s MV800 comes in a slightly smaller, sleeker compact form factor.

Looking at the dimensions, Casio’s EX-Z16 measures roughly 101mm x 59mm x 20mm, while the Samsung MV800 is a hair smaller at 92mm x 56mm x 10mm, making the MV800 noticeably slimmer and lighter at 121 grams (Casio’s weight is unspecified but feels heftier by feel). The key ergonomic takeaway? The EX-Z16’s chunkier body feels sturdier and easier to grip - a plus for those who want to avoid fumbling or dropping the camera. The MV800, with its polished body, feels more akin to a fashion-forward compact designed for urban street photography, sliding easily into pockets but demanding a gentler grip.

Both lack traditional viewfinders, so they rely heavily on their rear screens for composition - a factor we’ll analyze next.

Controls and Interface: Which One Puts You in the Driver’s Seat?

The user interface often makes or breaks candid shooting experiences, especially in small cameras where controls are necessarily simplified.

The Casio EX-Z16 provides straightforward, no-frills controls - manual focus available through a dial but no aperture or shutter priority modes. There’s no touchscreen, no illuminated buttons, and menus feel dated. Good news is the fixed LCD is decent enough for framing, though the lack of articulation limits shooting angles.

In contrast, the Samsung MV800 offers a 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 460k dots resolution - a massive step up for framing flexibility, especially for low-angle or overhead shots. The touchscreen supports live view autofocus and even face detection - very handy for quick point-and-shoots. The MV800’s controls feel more modern and accessible, even if it lacks manual focus options.

For someone who prefers a more tactile approach, Casio might win some points with its physical controls, though Samsung’s touchscreen will probably appeal more to selfie-averse folks who want to tap-to-focus and scroll through settings with ease.

Speaking of Screens: The Window to Your Creativity

If you’re like me, you spend nearly all your shooting time looking at the LCD. Samsung’s tilting LCD is a clear winner here for usability.

Casio’s fixed screen doesn’t have specified resolution but feels dimmer and not as sharp. Limited articulation can frustrate shooting at unconventional angles. Samsung MV800’s bright, responsive touchscreen makes framing and navigating menus effortless, which is huge for street shooters and vloggers alike.

Casio’s setup is basic, but we can’t forget the simplicity may still appeal to entry-level consumers overwhelmed by fancy menus. However, landscape photographers or travelers craving compositional versatility will find the MV800’s display more practical.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras use modest 1/2.3” CCD sensors measuring 6.17mm x 4.55mm, with virtually identical sensor area around 28 mm², but they diverge notably in resolution and ISO performance.

Casio EX-Z16 comes with a 12MP resolution cap, with a maximum ISO of 1600 but no boosted ISO options. Samsung’s MV800 nudges this up to 16MP with a higher peak ISO of 3200, offering slightly more flexibility in low light but still limited by its CCD design, which is typically noisier at high ISOs compared to modern CMOS sensors.

Neither camera supports RAW formats, which means post-processing latitude is constrained; you’re dealing with JPEG outputs only. This affects advanced users who want to extract the most from their shots.

In practical shooting, I found MV800’s higher resolution translates to crisper details when lighting is ample. However, noise becomes evident beyond ISO 800 on both cameras. Casio’s images felt softer with less detail, sometimes due to its older processing engine (Exilim Engine 5.0).

Dynamic range is modest on both - typical of small-sensor compacts - and highlights can clip quickly in bright scenes. HDR or bracketing is absent in EX-Z16, but MV800 does offer white balance bracketing, a plus for tricky lighting scenarios.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability Differences

Autofocus is another critical factor influencing experience, especially for moving subjects or quick snaps.

• Casio EX-Z16 relies on contrast-detection autofocus with no face or eye detection; it offers single AF only - no continuous or tracking. You have to be patient and deliberate with focusing, especially in low light.

• Samsung MV800 advances with contrast-detection AF plus face detection and even AF tracking. It lacks manual focus, which might disappoint pros, but the touch autofocus aids accuracy in live view mode.

While neither can compete with today’s hybrid AF systems or phase detection, the MV800’s autofocus felt noticeably speedier and more reliable in everyday shooting, especially when snapping friends around you.

Lens and Zoom Range: From Wide to Moderate Telephoto

Both cameras are equipped with fixed lenses offering moderate zoom ranges tailored for casual photography.

• Casio EX-Z16: 36-107mm equivalent (3× optical zoom) with f/3.2-5.7 aperture range
• Samsung MV800: 26-130mm equivalent (5× optical zoom) with f/3.3-5.9 aperture range

The MV800 offers a wider starting point (26mm) very helpful for landscapes or group shots in cramped spaces, as well as a longer telephoto reach. The EX-Z16’s shorter zoom may limit flexibility, although with a smaller sensor it might yield slightly deeper depth of field, which can be a blessing or a curse, depending on your portrait needs.

Neither model offers manual aperture control - typical for their segment - so you’re at the mercy of automatic exposure settings.

Performance in Different Photography Genres: What Each Camera Excels At

Let me break down how these cameras stack up in varied photographic disciplines to help you picture real-world usability.

Portraits

The MV800’s face detection and touch autofocus make it straightforward to capture sharp, well-exposed portraits. Its wider lens helps for indoor group shots. The EX-Z16 lacks face detection, and contrast-detect AF makes nailing focus more challenging under low light. Bokeh performance is limited by small sensors and slow apertures on both - don’t expect creamy backgrounds here.

Landscapes

Wide-angle lens edge goes to the MV800, improving framing options. Both deal with limited dynamic range; bright highlights may clip. With no weather sealing on either, outdoor durability is minimal - plan accordingly.

Wildlife & Sports

Neither camera is ideal here due to slow AF and limited continuous shooting. However, the MV800’s longer zoom lets you get closer without moving, a slight edge for casual wildlife snaps.

Street Photography

The EX-Z16’s chunkier grip might be less discreet, but its sturdier feel could stabilize shots in quick snaps. Samsung’s slim MV800 is super pocketable, and its quick touch-to-focus is a boon. Low light is limited on both - ISO above 400 gets noisy fast.

Macro

Casio offers a macro focus down to 7cm, handy for flowers and small objects. Samsung lacks explicit macro specs but can focus close-ish thanks to its lens design.

Night & Astrophotography

Both are hampered by noise at high ISOs, no long exposure modes, or bulb shooting support. Casio’s top shutter speed is 1/2000s; minimum shutter is 4 secs, which is okay but not stellar. Samsung’s shutter range starts from 8 seconds, allowing a bit more creativity for night.

Video Capabilities

MV800 supports HD video at 720p, 30fps, with modern MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs. Casio EX-Z16 outputs lower resolution video (848x480) in Motion JPEG. No mic or headphone ports on either, limiting professional usage.

Travel Photography

MV800’s slimmer profile, articulated screen, and wider zoom make it ideal for travelers who want versatility in a sleek package. Casio’s sturdier body and sensor-shift stabilization can help on the go but feel dated.

Professional Use

With no RAW support and limited manual control, both cameras have minimal appeal for professionals, save for casual backup. File output and workflow integration are basic.

Stabilization, Battery Life, and Storage: Practical Considerations on the Road

• Image Stabilization:
  Casio uses sensor-shift stabilization, often effective in reducing shake indoors or at long exposures. Samsung employs optical stabilization through lens movement and in practice, performed reasonably well in my handheld tests. Neither offers in-body or digital video stabilization advanced enough for shaky hand-held video.

• Battery & Storage:
  Samsung’s use of the BP70 proprietary battery with unknown but moderate endurance contrasts with Casio’s unspecified battery type. Both accept one storage card - Samsung uses Micro SD, which is convenient and widely available.

Battery life is not advertised for either, but expect typical compact camera endurance (a few hundred shots per charge). Always pack a spare for day trips.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Staying Linked in a Wireless World

Connectivity on these cameras reflects their era.

• Casio EX-Z16 offers Eye-Fi card compatibility - a clever but now mostly obsolete method for wireless image transfer using special SD cards. No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
• Samsung MV800 lacks wireless connectivity altogether but features a mini HDMI port for quick playback on HDTVs and USB 2.0 for file transfer.

Neither camera supports modern wireless features like Bluetooth, NFC, or apps that are standard on newer models - but these remain understandable given their age.

Image Samples: Side-by-Side Real World Results

You’re probably wondering - how do these cameras really “look” in the wild? Below you’ll find carefully captured JPEGs showcasing typical images with each model.

Casio EX Z16 front Casio EX Z16 screen back Samsung MV800 screen back

The MV800 images display generally sharper detail, better color reproduction, and more usable ISO performance. The EX-Z16 images tend toward softer results with occasionally blown highlights in bright areas. Both images show visible noise creeping in at higher ISOs.

Overall Scores and Value Assessment

To crystallize the above, here’s the overall assessment based on image quality, usability, feature set, and price-value balance.

• Samsung MV800 scores consistently higher, thanks to the better sensor resolution, touchscreen interface, HD video, and zoom versatility.
• Casio EX-Z16 ranks lower mainly due to dated controls, poorer autofocus, and lower resolution - yet it still holds charm for those who want a simple, stabilized shooter at an ultra-low price point (~$100).

Who Should Buy Which? Making Your Choice in 2024

Buy the Casio EX-Z16 if:

• You desire an inexpensive camera (~$100 or less) for basic point-and-shoot needs
• Sensor-shift stabilization and a sturdy physical grip are priorities
• You are a beginner who wants simplicity without touchscreen complexity
• Macro close-ups at 7cm interest you, and video capture is not essential
• You don’t plan to shoot fast-moving subjects or require wide-angle versatility

Choose the Samsung MV800 if:

• You want a more modern-feeling compact with better image resolution (16MP)
• A tilting touchscreen and face detection autofocus would speed up your shooting
• You shoot casual portraits, landscapes, or travel shots needing 26mm wide-angle
• You appreciate HD video recording and more flexible framing options
• You’re fine paying a premium (~$500) for ergonomic elegance and feature upgrades

Some Final Thoughts From the Field

These two cameras offer windows into a transitional period in compact digital photography. The Casio EX-Z16 leans into classic ultracompact simplicity with stabilization and surprisingly competent optics for its price - great for cheapskates or casual shooters needing honest daylight snaps.

Samsung’s MV800 begs for more serious casual use with its touchscreen, wider zoom, and HD video, aimed at photo enthusiasts who prefer minimalist control with smarter autofocus aids and a sharper sensor. Its higher price is justified by these tangible gains if your budget allows.

In the grand scope of today’s mirrorless and smartphone-packed market, they seem nostalgic relics, but both retain relevancy for collectors or very specific uses. If you crave advanced control, RAW shooting, or professional-grade imaging, you’ll want to look beyond these compacts.

Summary at a Glance

I hope this breakdown helps you navigate what these two little cameras bring to the table! If you want solid, simple, budget-friendly shooting in daylight, Casio EX-Z16 does the job. But if you want a more versatile, touchscreen-enabled compact with better image quality and video, Samsung MV800 is the more contemporary toolkit.

Feel free to ask if you want direct sample file links or tips on squeezing the most out of these models. Until next time, happy shooting!

Image credits: Manufacturer specs and first-hand testing snapshots by author.